Novak Djokovic is seen alongside wife Jelena for the first time since his mid-match rant at her – as he confirms he’s had knee surgery and is now a major doubt for Wimbledon

By James On Jun 6, 2024

Novak Djokovic has spoken for the first time since undergoing the meniscus operation that will rule him out of Wimbledon.

The 37-year-old withdrew from Roland Garros on Tuesday with a knee injury and quickly made the decision to undergo surgery.

“Over the past day I have had to make some tough decisions after suffering a meniscus tear in my last match,” he posted on X.

‘I’m still processing it all, but I’m happy to tell you that the operation went well. I am extremely grateful to the team of doctors who have been by my side, as well as the overwhelming support I have received from my fans.

“I will do my best to be healthy and fit and return to the court as soon as possible. My love for this sport is strong and the desire to compete at the highest level is what keeps me going. Idemooo (continue).’

Novak Djokovic’s wife Jelena (right) seen for the first time since their arrest at the French Open

It comes as the world number 1 released a statement on social media revealing his surgery to repair a meniscus tear was a success

Djokovic (pictured) was seen voicing his frustrations to his wife in the stands during the third round of the French Open

Wimbledon starts on July 1 and the best-case scenario for Djokovic’s recovery time is estimated at three weeks…. article continues

“Over the past day I have had to make some tough decisions after suffering a meniscus tear in my last match,” he posted on X.

Wimbledon starts on July 1 and the best-case scenario for Djokovic’s recovery time is estimated at three weeks.

That would theoretically give him a chance to play in the championships, but once you factor in extra time to regain his match fitness and adapt to the grass – a surface that puts a lot of strain on the knees – it seems impossible, even for a man with extraordinary powers of physical recovery.

However, the injury, which forced him to withdraw from the French Open this week, could now see him miss Wimbledon

The couple met in high school and started dating in 2005. They later married in 2014 in Montenegro.

During his five-set thriller against Francisco Cerundulo, Jelena was seen standing up in the player’s box screaming after Djokovic dropped a point on serve.

Djokovic will instead focus on the Olympic Games, which start on July 27 here at Roland Garros. A gold medal is the only thing missing from his collection and the Paris Games have always been Djokovic’s biggest goal this year.

This is the only second surgery in Djokovic’s career. He was a firm believer in natural healing and claimed to have cried from guilt for days after undergoing elbow surgery in 2018.

It took Djokovic two years of pain and indecision to repair that elbow. The fact that he went under the knife less than 48 hours after his knee injury shows how much he wants to be fit for the Olympics.

With Roger Federer retired and Rafael Nadal almost certain to skip Wimbledon – again with an eye on the Olympics – this will be the first championship since 1998 to take place without one of the Big Three in the draw.

It was knee damage that Federer suffered as he retired after four surgeries. Djokovic will pray that his problems are not nearly as chronic.

Despite finishing his match against Francisco Cerundolo, he was forced to withdraw from the tournament

The exchange was apparently over after he returned to his duty position and his wife sat down

If he can make a full recovery, there’s no reason why he can’t continue playing for a few more years. But there is recent evidence of Carlos Alcaraz and especially New World No. 1 Jannik Sinner getting the better of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Those two, who meet tomorrow here in Paris in the highly anticipated semi-final, will only get better. It feels like the game is finally leaving the greatest generation in history behind.